Democrats in Washington are using Minnesota farmers as pawns for big government welfare programs. At first, Democrats supported a new farm bill, but when they didn’t get their welfare programs customized to their liking they voted against the farm bill. Why can’t they split the two issues into two separate bills?

If you’re more successful on your farm, chances are Gov. Dayton thinks you’re rich and will increase your state taxes by 25%. Dayton also taxes farm machinery repairs, and warehouse and storage fees that increase farming costs. Passing down the family farm to your kids will be taxed more under Dayton’s new inheritance rules. And 70% of the Democrats’ property tax program went to the metro area. The kicker, your 2nd amendment rights, family values and the essence of rural life are being attacked by liberal elites.

Democrats are ratcheting up a socialist agenda that is bad for farmers

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison recently said “there’s plenty of money, it’s just the government doesn’t have it.” Ellison’s socialism is bad for farmers. When it’s no longer who’s the best farmer, but who’s the most connected to the politicians, the average Minnesota farmer gets left behind. And remember, the collectivists in 1917 came for farm production first.

Democrats in St. Paul clearly showed their priorities when they placed the legislature’s Agriculture Committee as a sub-committee under the Environment Committee. They wanted Minneapolis liberals setting Agriculture policy and budgets.

It is time for Minnesota Democrats to be honest, remove the F from DFL, and work with Republicans to give farmers policies that work.